West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey on Tourism Growth and Economic Development

Tourism as a Key Economic Driver

• 💡 Tourism is highlighted as a fundamental area for West Virginia's growth and economic strength.
• 🚀 The state is committed to accelerating investments in tourism to become a premier destination.
• 🏆 West Virginia is not just competing but dominating in tourism compared to neighboring states.

Personal Connection and State Appeal

• 💖 Governor Morrisey shares a personal story of falling in love with West Virginia through visits to its parks and towns, leading to his decision to move there.
• ✨ The state's unmatched beauty, parks, hotels, restaurants, and people are key selling points to attract visitors and new residents.
• 🏡 The sentiment "come visit and you may just spend a lifetime" encapsulates the state's appeal.

Economic Impact and Growth Metrics

• 💰 Tourism generated a record $9 billion in economic impact in the past year, with visitor spending reaching an all-time high.
• 📈 This growth is attracting businesses, keeping families' spending within the state, and fostering investments in communities.
• 📈 West Virginia is experiencing net inward migration, with more people moving in than leaving, a trend that needs acceleration.

Innovative Tourism Initiatives

• 🎓 The "Tourism Works" program has issued over 10,000 micro-credentials, creating state ambassadors with deep knowledge of West Virginia's attractions.
• 🌟 Unique assets like dark skies for stargazing, waterfall trails, bike trails, and challenging rapids are being leveraged.
• 🏞️ Key attractions like New River Gorge National Park saw a record 1.8 million visitors, a nearly 50% increase since becoming a national park.
• 🏞️ Harper's Ferry also experienced significant visitor increases, with ongoing efforts to attract more sites.

Economic Policy and Future Outlook

• ✂️ Efforts to grow paychecks include cutting taxes and reducing red tape, making West Virginia a leader in speed to build and get things done.
• 🛠️ A one-stop shop permitting bill streamlines the process for businesses, with guarantees for timely completion.
• 🤝 Licensing reciprocity allows professionals from other states to work in West Virginia immediately, boosting the workforce.
• ⚡ Leveraging energy resources and reinvesting revenue into people, workforce development, and potentially eliminating the state income tax are key strategies.
• 🤝 The governor emphasizes that tourism's success is a team effort, involving everyone working to strengthen the state's offerings and stay ahead of competitors.